News

Young people invited to apply for Mayor’s Bursary

3 March 2025

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, has announced the launch of a Young Person’s Bursary – a £500 contribution aimed at supporting the growth and development of one young person with a talent or skill they wish to nurture but who may lack the financial means to do so.

The bursary is open to young people across the entire Derry City and Strabane District Council area and is designed to offer a helping hand to someone from a low-income, socially disadvantaged, or vulnerable background.
It could support the development of artistic abilities such as music or drama or help a young person build employability skills that will benefit their future.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor Barr expressed her enthusiasm for providing meaningful support to a young person with ambitions to grow and thrive.
“The Young Person’s Bursary is a small but important contribution, a hand up to help a young person in our community develop their potential. Whether it’s a creative talent like music or drama or an employability skill they wish to strengthen, this bursary is about allowing them to build their confidence, enhance their abilities, and pursue their dreams.
“Engaging with young people and giving them a voice has been a key focus of my Mayoral year, and I’m delighted to offer this support. While applications must come from organisations that support children and young people aged 0-18 years from disadvantaged backgrounds within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area, they must specifically nominate the individual young person who will benefit from the bursary.
“Individual young people cannot apply directly but are encouraged to reach out to the organisations they are involved with to express their interest in being considered. Schools can also apply. I hope this bursary will empower the successful candidate to overcome challenges, build their skills, and become more actively involved in their local community.”

The Mayor has recorded a video message to invite young people to apply that can be viewed on her social media pages.
For more information on the criteria and details on how to apply visit here
The deadline for applications is Friday March 28^th 2025.